Final instructions to apply for an eTA

Before you use the eTA form, read these instructions carefully.

To get the instructions, tell us which country issued your passport.

Instructions to enter your passport information

Passport number

  • Enter the passport number that is at the top of the passport information page (the page with your photo).
  • Most passport numbers are 6 to 9 characters long. If the number you plan to enter is much shorter or longer than this, check that you are using the right number.
  • Passport numbers are made up of a combination of letters and numbers. Be extra careful with the letter O and the number 0, and the letter I and the number 1.
  • Don’t enter any special characters (like a hyphen) or spaces.

Passport number in the machine readable zone of a passport. 

Passport country of issue

  • Select the country code that matches the one on the passport information page (page with your photo).
  • To find this code, see the field named “Code,” “Issuing country” or “Authority.”
  • Be careful when you select the code from the list in the application form. Some countries have multiple options and some codes are very similar.

 

Help guide

A complete help guide with more tips and descriptions of each form field is available in the following languages:

Help guides in other languages

If you enter the wrong passport number OR country code, you may not be able to board your flight to Canada.

  • You may only find out at the airport if you made a mistake.
  • You’ll have to reapply for an eTA at the airport.
  • Depending on your situation, it may not be possible to get an eTA at the last minute.

Continue to the eTA application form

Studying in Canada

You might need to apply for a study permit.

Most people need a study permit to study in Canada. The study permit is a document we issue that allows you to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada.

If we approve your study permit application, we’ll automatically give you an eTA with your study permit.

Find out if you need a study permit.

If you know you don’t need a study permit

If you don’t need a study permit to study in Canada, you can apply for an eTA.

Visitor visa and eTA requirements for citizens of Mexico changed on February 29, 2024, at 11:30 p.m. ET

As of 11:30 p.m. ET on February 29, 2024,

  • you need to meet new requirements to be eligible for an eTA
  • if you had an eTA before 11:30 p.m. ET on February 29, 2024, it has been cancelled unless you also have a valid work or study permit
  • if you had an eTA application in progress at the time, you will need to apply for a new eTA or for a visitor visa
  • you need to apply for a new eTA (if you’re eligible) before you travel to Canada
  • If you’re not eligible for an eTA anymore, you need to apply for a visitor visa to travel to Canada

Learn more about the new requirements

Instructions to enter your passport information

Passport number
  • Enter the passport number that is at the top of the passport information page (the page with your photo).
  • Most passport numbers are 6 to 9 characters long. If the number you plan to enter is much shorter or longer than this, check that you are using the right number.
  • Passport numbers are made up of a combination of letters and numbers. Be extra careful with the letter O and the number 0, and the letter I and the number 1.
  • Don’t enter any special characters (like a hyphen) or spaces.

Passport number in the machine readable zone of a passport. 

Passport country of issue
  • Select the country code that matches the one on the passport information page (page with your photo).
  • To find this code, see the field named “Code,” “Issuing country” or “Authority.”
  • Be careful when you select the code from the list in the application form. Some countries have multiple options and some codes are very similar.

 

Help guide

A complete help guide with more tips and descriptions of each form field is available in the following languages:

Help guides in other languages

If you enter the wrong passport number OR country code, you may not be able to board your flight to Canada.

  • You may only find out at the airport if you made a mistake.
  • You’ll have to reapply for an eTA at the airport.
  • Depending on your situation, it may not be possible to get an eTA at the last minute.

Continue to the eTA application form

Working in Canada

You might need to apply for a work permit.

Most people need a work permit to work in Canada. A work permit is a document we issue that allows you to work in Canada. There are 2 types of work permit. If we approve your work permit application, we’ll automatically give you an eTA with your work permit.

Answer a few questions to find out if you need a work permit or to figure out which one you should get.

If you know you don’t need a work permit

If you have a work permit exemption, you can apply for an eTA.

Visitor visa and eTA requirements for citizens of Mexico changed on February 29, 2024, at 11:30 p.m. ET

As of 11:30 p.m. ET on February 29, 2024,

  • you need to meet new requirements to be eligible for an eTA
  • if you had an eTA before 11:30 p.m. ET on February 29, 2024, it has been cancelled unless you also have a valid work or study permit
  • if you had an eTA application in progress at the time, you will need to apply for a new eTA or for a visitor visa
  • you need to apply for a new eTA (if you’re eligible) before you travel to Canada
  • If you’re not eligible for an eTA anymore, you need to apply for a visitor visa to travel to Canada

Learn more about the new requirements

Instructions to enter your passport information

Passport number
  • Enter the passport number that is at the top of the passport information page (the page with your photo).
  • Most passport numbers are 6 to 9 characters long. If the number you plan to enter is much shorter or longer than this, check that you are using the right number.
  • Passport numbers are made up of a combination of letters and numbers. Be extra careful with the letter O and the number 0, and the letter I and the number 1.
  • Don’t enter any special characters (like a hyphen) or spaces.

Passport number in the machine readable zone of a passport. 

Passport country of issue
  • Select the country code that matches the one on the passport information page (page with your photo).
  • To find this code, see the field named “Code,” “Issuing country” or “Authority.”
  • Be careful when you select the code from the list in the application form. Some countries have multiple options and some codes are very similar.

 

Help guide

A complete help guide with more tips and descriptions of each form field is available in the following languages:

Help guides in other languages

If you enter the wrong passport number OR country code, you may not be able to board your flight to Canada.

  • You may only find out at the airport if you made a mistake.
  • You’ll have to reapply for an eTA at the airport.
  • Depending on your situation, it may not be possible to get an eTA at the last minute.

Continue to the eTA application form

Instructions for French passport holders

Passport number

  • Enter the passport number that is at the top of the passport information page (the page with your photo).
    • Do not enter the number on the first page of your passport, or the number at the bottom of the page with your photo.
  • Most French passport numbers are 9 characters long. If the number you plan to enter is much shorter or longer than this, check that you are using the right number.
  • Passport numbers are made up of a combination of letters and numbers. Be extra careful with the letter O and the number 0, and the letter I and the number 1.
  • Don’t enter any special characters (like a hyphen) or spaces.
Image of French passport information page and passport number to use.
Image of French passport cover.
Image of French passport information page and number not to use.

Passport country of issue

  • Select the country code that matches the one on the passport information page (page with your photo).
  • To find this code, see the field named “Code,” “Issuing country” or “Authority.”
  • Be careful when you select the code from the list in the application form. Some countries have multiple options and some codes are very similar.

 

Help guide

A complete help guide with more tips and descriptions of each form field is available in the following languages:

Help guides in other languages

If you enter the wrong passport number OR country code, you may not be able to board your flight to Canada.

  • You may only find out at the airport if you made a mistake.
  • You’ll have to reapply for an eTA at the airport.
  • Depending on your situation, it may not be possible to get an eTA at the last minute.

Continue to the eTA application form

Studying in Canada

You might need to apply for a study permit.

Most people need a study permit to study in Canada. The study permit is a document we issue that allows you to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada.

If we approve your study permit application, we’ll automatically give you an eTA with your study permit.

Find out if you need a study permit.

If you know you don’t need a study permit

If you don’t need a study permit to study in Canada, you can apply for an eTA.

Instructions for French passport holders

Passport number
  • Enter the passport number that is at the top of the passport information page (the page with your photo).
    • Do not enter the number on the first page of your passport, or the number at the bottom of the page with your photo.
  • Most French passport numbers are 9 characters long. If the number you plan to enter is much shorter or longer than this, check that you are using the right number.
  • Passport numbers are made up of a combination of letters and numbers. Be extra careful with the letter O and the number 0, and the letter I and the number 1.
  • Don’t enter any special characters (like a hyphen) or spaces.
Image of French passport information page and passport number to use.
Image of French passport cover.
Image of French passport information page and number not to use.
Passport country of issue
  • Select the country code that matches the one on the passport information page (page with your photo).
  • To find this code, see the field named “Code,” “Issuing country” or “Authority.”
  • Be careful when you select the code from the list in the application form. Some countries have multiple options and some codes are very similar.

 

Help guide

A complete help guide with more tips and descriptions of each form field is available in the following languages:

Help guides in other languages

If you enter the wrong passport number OR country code, you may not be able to board your flight to Canada.

  • You may only find out at the airport if you made a mistake.
  • You’ll have to reapply for an eTA at the airport.
  • Depending on your situation, it may not be possible to get an eTA at the last minute.

Continue to the eTA application form

Working in Canada

You might need to apply for a work permit.

Most people need a work permit to work in Canada. A work permit is a document we issue that allows you to work in Canada. There are 2 types of work permit. If we approve your work permit application, we’ll automatically give you an eTA with your work permit.

Answer a few questions to find out if you need a work permit or which one you should get.

If you know you don’t need a work permit

If you have a work permit exemption, you can apply for an eTA.

Instructions for French passport holders

Passport number
  • Enter the passport number that is at the top of the passport information page (the page with your photo).
    • Do not enter the number on the first page of your passport, or the number at the bottom of the page with your photo.
  • Most French passport numbers are 9 characters long. If the number you plan to enter is much shorter or longer than this, check that you are using the right number.
  • Passport numbers are made up of a combination of letters and numbers. Be extra careful with the letter O and the number 0, and the letter I and the number 1.
  • Don’t enter any special characters (like a hyphen) or spaces.
Image of French passport information page and passport number to use.
Image of French passport cover.
Image of French passport information page and number not to use.
Passport country of issue
  • Select the country code that matches the one on the passport information page (page with your photo).
  • To find this code, see the field named “Code,” “Issuing country” or “Authority.”
  • Be careful when you select the code from the list in the application form. Some countries have multiple options and some codes are very similar.

 

Help guide

A complete help guide with more tips and descriptions of each form field is available in the following languages:

Help guides in other languages

If you enter the wrong passport number OR country code, you may not be able to board your flight to Canada.

  • You may only find out at the airport if you made a mistake.
  • You’ll have to reapply for an eTA at the airport.
  • Depending on your situation, it may not be possible to get an eTA at the last minute.

Continue to the eTA application form

Instructions for Austrian passport holders

Passport number

  • Enter the passport number that is at the top of the passport information page (the page with your photo).
  • Most Austrian passport numbers are 8 characters long. They include 1 letter and 7 numbers. If the number you plan to enter is shorter or longer than this, check that you are using the right number.
  • Passport numbers are made up of a combination of letters and numbers. Be extra careful with the letter O and the number 0, and the letter I and the number 1. Make sure you
    • include any preceding characters
    • remove any spaces
  • Don’t enter any special characters (like a hyphen).
An example of how to enter your passport number. The passport number is P 4366918. It should be entered in your application as P4366918 with no spaces.

Passport country of issue

  • Select the country code that matches the one on the passport information page (page with your photo).
  • To find this code, see the field named “Code,” “Issuing country” or “Authority.”
  • Be careful when you select the code from the list in the application form. Some countries have multiple options and some codes are very similar.

Help guide

A complete help guide with more tips and descriptions of each form field is available in the following languages:

Help guides in other languages

If you enter the wrong passport number OR country code, you may not be able to board your flight to Canada.

  • You may only find out at the airport if you made a mistake.
  • You’ll have to reapply for an eTA at the airport.
  • Depending on your situation, it may not be possible to get an eTA at the last minute.

Continue to the eTA application form

Studying in Canada

You might need to apply for a study permit.

Most people need a study permit to study in Canada. The study permit is a document we issue that allows you to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada.

If we approve your study permit application, we’ll automatically give you an eTA with your study permit.

Find out if you need a study permit.

If you know you don’t need a study permit

If you don’t need a study permit to study in Canada, you can apply for an eTA.

Instructions for Austrian passport holders

Passport number
  • Enter the passport number that is at the top of the passport information page (the page with your photo).
  • Most Austrian passport numbers are 8 characters long. They include 1 letter and 7 numbers. If the number you plan to enter is shorter or longer than this, check that you are using the right number.
  • Passport numbers are made up of a combination of letters and numbers. Be extra careful with the letter O and the number 0, and the letter I and the number 1. Make sure you
    • include any preceding characters
    • remove any spaces
  • Don’t enter any special characters (like a hyphen).
An example of how to enter your passport number. The passport number is P 4366918. It should be entered in your application as P4366918 with no spaces.
Passport country of issue
  • Select the country code that matches the one on the passport information page (page with your photo).
  • To find this code, see the field named “Code,” “Issuing country” or “Authority.”
  • Be careful when you select the code from the list in the application form. Some countries have multiple options and some codes are very similar.

Help guide

A complete help guide with more tips and descriptions of each form field is available in the following languages:

Help guides in other languages

If you enter the wrong passport number OR country code, you may not be able to board your flight to Canada.

  • You may only find out at the airport if you made a mistake.
  • You’ll have to reapply for an eTA at the airport.
  • Depending on your situation, it may not be possible to get an eTA at the last minute.

Continue to the eTA application form

Working in Canada

You might need to apply for a work permit.

Most people need a work permit to work in Canada. A work permit is a document we issue that allows you to work in Canada. There are 2 types of work permit. If we approve your work permit application, we’ll automatically give you an eTA with your work permit.

Answer a few questions to find out if you need a work permit or which one you should get.

If you know you don’t need a work permit

If you have a work permit exemption, you can apply for an eTA.

Instructions for Austrian passport holders

Passport number
  • Enter the passport number that is at the top of the passport information page (the page with your photo).
  • Most Austrian passport numbers are 8 characters long. They include 1 letter and 7 numbers. If the number you plan to enter is shorter or longer than this, check that you are using the right number.
  • Passport numbers are made up of a combination of letters and numbers. Be extra careful with the letter O and the number 0, and the letter I and the number 1. Make sure you
    • include any preceding characters
    • remove any spaces
  • Don’t enter any special characters (like a hyphen).
An example of how to enter your passport number. The passport number is P 4366918. It should be entered in your application as P4366918 with no spaces.
Passport country of issue
  • Select the country code that matches the one on the passport information page (page with your photo).
  • To find this code, see the field named “Code,” “Issuing country” or “Authority.”
  • Be careful when you select the code from the list in the application form. Some countries have multiple options and some codes are very similar.

Help guide

A complete help guide with more tips and descriptions of each form field is available in the following languages:

Help guides in other languages

If you enter the wrong passport number OR country code, you may not be able to board your flight to Canada.

  • You may only find out at the airport if you made a mistake.
  • You’ll have to reapply for an eTA at the airport.
  • Depending on your situation, it may not be possible to get an eTA at the last minute.

Continue to the eTA application form

If you had an eTA that was cancelled, make sure you’re still eligible before you apply

As of February 29, 2024, you need to meet all 3 of these requirements to be eligible for an eTA:

  1. You’re using a valid Mexican passport to fly to Canada or to transit through a Canadian airport to another destination.
  2. You’re coming to Canada for a short visit (normally for stays of up to 6 months).
  3. You either
    • currently hold a valid United States (US) non-immigrant visa, or
    • have held a Canadian visitor visa (a temporary resident visa) in the past 10 years
      • A visitor visa is not the same as an eTA.
      • Having held an eTA in the past 10 years is not the same as having held a Canadian visitor visa.
      • If you held a Canadian visitor visa in the last 10 years, the counterfoil would have been affixed to your passport.

If you don’t meet the above requirements, you need to apply for a visitor visa.

Find out more:

Instructions to enter your passport information

Passport number

  • Enter the passport number that is at the top of the passport information page (the page with your photo).
  • Most passport numbers are 6 to 9 characters long. If the number you plan to enter is much shorter or longer than this, check that you are using the right number.
  • Passport numbers are made up of a combination of letters and numbers. Be extra careful with the letter O and the number 0, and the letter I and the number 1.
  • Don’t enter any special characters (like a hyphen) or spaces.

Passport number in the machine readable zone of a passport. 

Passport country of issue

  • Select the country code that matches the one on the passport information page (page with your photo).
  • To find this code, see the field named “Code,” “Issuing country” or “Authority.”
  • Be careful when you select the code from the list in the application form. Some countries have multiple options and some codes are very similar.

 

If you have a US border crossing card

Follow these instructions when you’re asked to enter your US non-immigrant visa number:

  • On the back of your US border crossing card, near the bottom, there are 3 lines of characters.
  • The number to enter is on the first line. It’s the second set of letters and numbers (on the right side of the card).
  • Enter the number that starts with 3 letters and ends with 9 numbers (for example, MEX123456789).
  • Don’t enter any special characters (like a hyphen) or spaces.

If you have a US non-immigrant visa counterfoil

Follow these instructions when you’re asked to enter your US non-immigrant visa number:

  • The counterfoil is a sticker attached to a page in your passport.
  • Your US non-immigrant visa number is located in the bottom right corner of your document. It is red and in bold font.
  • Enter the 8-digit number.
  • Don’t enter any special characters, such as hyphens or spaces.

You must enter the correct information when you apply for your eTA.

  • Having held an eTA in the past 10 years is not the same as having held a Canadian visitor visa.
  • Make sure you enter the correct US non-immigrant visa number.

Continue to the eTA application form

Help guide

A complete help guide with more tips and descriptions of each form field is available in the following languages:

Help guides in other languages

Studying in Canada

You might need to apply for a study permit.

Most people need a study permit to study in Canada. The study permit is a document we issue that allows you to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada.

If we approve your study permit application, we’ll automatically give you an eTA with your study permit.

Find out if you need a study permit.

If you know you don’t need a study permit

If you don’t need a study permit to study in Canada, you can apply for an eTA.

Visitor visa and eTA requirements for citizens of Mexico changed on February 29, 2024, at 11:30 p.m. ET

As of 11:30 p.m. ET on February 29, 2024,

  • you need to meet new requirements to be eligible for an eTA
  • if you had an eTA before 11:30 p.m. ET on February 29, 2024, it has been cancelled unless you also have a valid work or study permit
  • if you had an eTA application in progress at the time, you will need to apply for a new eTA or for a visitor visa
  • you need to apply for a new eTA (if you’re eligible) before you travel to Canada
  • If you’re not eligible for an eTA anymore, you need to apply for a visitor visa to travel to Canada

Learn more about the new requirements

Instructions to enter your passport information

Passport number
  • Enter the passport number that is at the top of the passport information page (the page with your photo).
  • Most passport numbers are 6 to 9 characters long. If the number you plan to enter is much shorter or longer than this, check that you are using the right number.
  • Passport numbers are made up of a combination of letters and numbers. Be extra careful with the letter O and the number 0, and the letter I and the number 1.
  • Don’t enter any special characters (like a hyphen) or spaces.

Passport number in the machine readable zone of a passport. 

Passport country of issue
  • Select the country code that matches the one on the passport information page (page with your photo).
  • To find this code, see the field named “Code,” “Issuing country” or “Authority.”
  • Be careful when you select the code from the list in the application form. Some countries have multiple options and some codes are very similar.

 

Help guide

A complete help guide with more tips and descriptions of each form field is available in the following languages:

Help guides in other languages

If you enter the wrong passport number OR country code, you may not be able to board your flight to Canada.

  • You may only find out at the airport if you made a mistake.
  • You’ll have to reapply for an eTA at the airport.
  • Depending on your situation, it may not be possible to get an eTA at the last minute.

Continue to the eTA application form

Working in Canada

You might need to apply for a work permit.

Most people need a work permit to work in Canada. A work permit is a document we issue that allows you to work in Canada. There are 2 types of work permit. If we approve your work permit application, we’ll automatically give you an eTA with your work permit.

Answer a few questions to find out if you need a work permit or to figure out which one you should get.

If you know you don’t need a work permit

If you have a work permit exemption, you can apply for an eTA.

Visitor visa and eTA requirements for citizens of Mexico changed on February 29, 2024, at 11:30 p.m. ET

As of 11:30 p.m. ET on February 29, 2024,

  • you need to meet new requirements to be eligible for an eTA
  • if you had an eTA before 11:30 p.m. ET on February 29, 2024, it has been cancelled unless you also have a valid work or study permit
  • if you had an eTA application in progress at the time, you will need to apply for a new eTA or for a visitor visa
  • you need to apply for a new eTA (if you’re eligible) before you travel to Canada
  • If you’re not eligible for an eTA anymore, you need to apply for a visitor visa to travel to Canada

Learn more about the new requirements

Instructions to enter your passport information

Passport number
  • Enter the passport number that is at the top of the passport information page (the page with your photo).
  • Most passport numbers are 6 to 9 characters long. If the number you plan to enter is much shorter or longer than this, check that you are using the right number.
  • Passport numbers are made up of a combination of letters and numbers. Be extra careful with the letter O and the number 0, and the letter I and the number 1.
  • Don’t enter any special characters (like a hyphen) or spaces.

Passport number in the machine readable zone of a passport. 

Passport country of issue
  • Select the country code that matches the one on the passport information page (page with your photo).
  • To find this code, see the field named “Code,” “Issuing country” or “Authority.”
  • Be careful when you select the code from the list in the application form. Some countries have multiple options and some codes are very similar.

 

Help guide

A complete help guide with more tips and descriptions of each form field is available in the following languages:

Help guides in other languages

If you enter the wrong passport number OR country code, you may not be able to board your flight to Canada.

  • You may only find out at the airport if you made a mistake.
  • You’ll have to reapply for an eTA at the airport.
  • Depending on your situation, it may not be possible to get an eTA at the last minute.

Continue to the eTA application form

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